Early January in Belgrade is usually around freezing, and the whole program is outdoors on an open plaza. Dress kids in layers, hats and gloves.

Is there food on site?

Stalls sell souvenirs and drinks. Eat before or after.

Do we need to be Orthodox to go?

No. It's a public city program in the Belgrade Winter (Beogradska zima) series, held in the open on the plaza, so anyone can come and watch.

Is anything on for Christmas Day too?

Last edition, yes: the stage and kids' workshops ran again the next afternoon, with a music program, a magic show and decorating Christmas stockings.

Upcoming

UpcomingFestival

Orthodox Christmas Eve at the Temple of Saint Sava

When: Dates to be announced
Ages: All ages
Price: Free

Orthodox Christmas Eve at the Temple of Saint Sava photo 2

Orthodox Christmas Eve at the Temple of Saint Sava photo 3

Orthodox Christmas Eve at the Temple of Saint Sava photo 4

FestivalVračar

Where

Vračar, Hram Svetog Save (Temple of Saint Sava)

Ages

All ages

Setting

Outdoors

Language

Serbian

What you need to know

The badnjak lighting is the main moment, with a blessing, a short sermon and choir singing
Hands-on Christmas crafts: last edition kids made collages of their home and family table and decorated Christmas cakes
Fairy-tale plays in Serbian, last time Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots, so kids who know the story can follow along

About

On Badnji dan, Orthodox Christmas Eve, the plaza in front of the Temple of Saint Sava gathers for the lighting of the badnjak, the Serbian Yule log, with a blessing and a choir. Around it runs an afternoon built for kids: fairy-tale plays on an outdoor stage, craft workshops, traditional games and costumed mascots. It's all in Serbian, but the bonfire and the craft tables work for any child.

Free

Dates to be announced

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